Hearts midfielder Andrew Driver has joined Houston Dynamo on loan until his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Driver was once highly-rated at Hearts

Driver, 25, was the subject of a national battle between England and Scotland as he was schooled north of the border but played for England Under-21s, yet he has since spent two years out with injury and his profile has dropped.

As one of the highest earners at Hearts - having signed a new contract in 2009 - Driver’s loan move relieves some of the burden on the financially-stricken Edinburgh club and he joins Ryan McGowan, Rudi Skacel, David Templeton, Craig Beattie, Stephen Elliott and Ian Black in leaving recently.

A statement on the Hearts website read: “The winger will join MLS outfit Houston Dynamo on loan until the expiration of his Tynecastle contract. The club wishes Andrew all the best as he continues his career with this chance to play in America.”

Driver will join the Dynamo in time for their pre-season programme ahead of the start of the MLS season on March 2.